The service ribbon replaced the "E" patch previously sewn on the right sleeve of the enlisted naval uniform for rates/pay grades E-1 through E-6.

Serving with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 88 (VAW-88), a Naval Air Reserve E-2 Hawkeye squadron at NAS North Island, California, Petty Officer Crider designed the ribbon after her squadron won the "E" award for the second time in a row, but with the new uniform change could not wear anything on their uniforms to show they had been awarded the Navy "E" two consecutive times.

United States Marine Corps members assigned as ship's company are eligible on the same basis as Navy personnel; Marine Corps (and other sister-Service) personnel assigned to embarked units, such as aircraft squadrons, battalion landing teams, and Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU) are not eligible to wear the ribbon.

However, when in standard uniform (no medals are worn), the ribbon is placed above the left breast pocket, along with all other citations and awards.

When a sailor or Marine receives a fourth Navy "E" award, a silver wreathed letter "E" replaces the three "E" devices on the ribbon.